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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Audio Technica ATH M20X are often significantly less expensive, making them a good budget choice with a closed, over-ear design that helps in sound isolation. On the other hand, if you're willing to pay more for the convenience of wireless listening, a built-in microphone for calls, and potentially better bass response, the Beats Solo 3 might be a better fit for you. Keep in mind that the Solo 3's, with their wireless feature, would be more versatile for on-the-go use compared to the wired M20X. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Audio Technica ATH M20X
- Good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
7.6
6.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
6.2
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
5.8
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
6.0
5.3
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
N/A
41.5 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$117
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
Build Quality
6.9
8.0
The Beats Solo 3 has very good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.3
4.7
The Beats Solo 3 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both poor for phone calls.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | October 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 41.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 4.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Get a great deal on the Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Beats Solo 3
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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